Mahogany for scales?

[Pumpkin]

After the (relative) success of my first re-scale in maple, I think I've caught the bug

I've got a piece of 3mm mahogany lined up already. Does anyone have any experience with it? Any tips or tricks? (I've already got my new coping saw so the shaping should be a bit easier than with the maple).

 

[wdwrx]

For you edification.
I've worked mahogany in the past, clean straight grain, a little splintery though, takes stains and finishes well though I don't think it will sand to a fine finish without a varnish or laquer. I find that the grain can sometimes be a little coarse.
Quite a nice, clean, wood to work with.
Let us know how it goes.

 

[Pumpkin]

For you edification.
I've worked mahogany in the past, clean straight grain, a little splintery though, takes stains and finishes well though I don't think it will sand to a fine finish without a varnish or laquer. I find that the grain can sometimes be a little coarse.
Quite a nice, clean, wood to work with.
Let us know how it goes.

Thanks for the info Chris.

First impressions...not too bad

Cut two 6"x1.5" pieces, using just a regular handsaw, stuck them together with double sided tape and transferred the outline of the new scales.
Did the rough cut down to near the pencil line with my new coping saw...much easier than my previous work on the maple! Couple of small splinters on the first cuts but not a big issue.

I'll take some pics, in the morning, before I start sanding

These scales will be going on a Sheffield "Grinder", 6/8 Half Hollow, French/Irish point that I'm currently hand sanding (up to 1200 grit W/D paper so far). Most of the blade was in good condition but there's some rust and pitting on the spine and the tang (around the pivot).

 

[FiveOhNine]

My father crafted a crib and cradle for my daughters out of mahogany, and it is an exquisitely beautiful wood and takes a wonderful stained, smooth finish. The pieces he was working with came as 12'x12"x6" or so - so its a little different in that size. If I remember correctly, he told me once the best stuff comes from cuba.

 

[Pungo Lee]

Honduran Mahogany is the best.
Better than that is Honduran Mahogany picked for Pattern Making commonly used in Machine Shops. Ultimate tight grain for precision cuts.
Mahogany needs a grain filler for Traditional finishes, I prefer raw tung oil mixed with a small amount of VM&P thinner.
After succesive coats eliminate the thinner. Allow to dry for several days. Then sand with 600 to 1000 grit emory paper.
Epiphanes rubbed effect varnish is next. Two coats.
Then wax with Johnsons Paste Wax and buff to a nice sheen.